Swim team takes first in Chester

The Columbia Falls swim team took a core group to Chester last weekend and swam away with the first place trophy.  

The team earned a ton of points with 28 first, 16 second, and 10 third place final wins.  

High point awards were awarded to James McClure, Harper Roe, Raef Edwards, Braydon Bigelow, Benjamin Opalka, Ember Dyck and Kaitlyn Daniels.  

“This year’s team has had an influx of new swimmers and many are already swimming at very competitive levels,” coach Kyle Babcock said. 

He gives credit to the culture of the team, explaining how the kids look up to each other and keep accountable by getting better at all the skills. In Chester, the temperatures did not get above 55 degrees and it remained windy, rainy or both all weekend.  

“I am proud of these kids and this weekend was a great example of just how hard they work,” he said in reference to the inclement weather.   

The team is off this weekend for the Independence Day Holiday. They’ll host their home meet in Columbia Falls over July 11-12th.  

“The team is a cherished and community supported club in Columbia Falls and has swimmers from Whitefish to Bigfork. Consider stopping by the home meet to support these up-and-coming athletes,” coach Babcock said.